IDF has taken a leadership role in investigating, evaluating, and establishing criteria for implementation of alternative methods to traditional heat treatment. The original work was assigned to Group D52 under the leadership of Dr. Hilton Deeth ofAustralia. The objectives of the group were to: (1) elaborate international definitions of alternative methods, and advise on public health significance and legal implications; (2) consider criteria to distinguish microcidal processing; and (3) monitor activities of CCMMP and CCFH. Under the new IDF strategic plan, a Task Force was initiated to further this work, and given additional objectives to provide guidance on the acceptability of treatments, and to establish control and safety measures. Alternative methods investigated were bactofugation, high pressure, irradiation, microfiltration, pulsed electric field, ultrasonication, and the concept of these used in combination with and without heat through "hurdle technology." Information developed for each includes definition, distinguishing criteria, applications, public health significance, and legal implications. "Acceptability" of these methods must be determined, but as compared to what technology or criteria? Should it be compared to/evaluated against pasteurization, "appropriate level of public health protection," microbiological models, specific target log kill, all of the above, or none of the above? IDF work has resulted in the establishment of a nine-step process to utilize safety performance criteria for a treatment or combination of treatments for milk. This process has been used by Codex for inclusion in the Food Hygiene document entitled "Code of Hygienic Practice for Milk and Milk Products." The primary consideration for further work in this area remains the safety of milk and milk products.
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